Keri Fernandez is a Rockstar Teacher!

Ms Fernandez teaches Science to the 7th and 8th graders at Smith Preparatory Academy in Longwood, Florida. Her nomination came from a fellow student at the school, Tyler. Here’s what Tyler had to say about Ms Fernandez.

She makes science fun, she is hands on, and very funny and entertaining to have as a teacher, I remember everything she has taught me this year.

Do you know of a teacher who can do that? Amazing! 🙂

We then asked Ms Fernandez a few questions…

How did you get into teaching?

I always loved Science – you can never know everything there is to know. I’m amazed at how detailed and intricate God has made all life – from protozoans to plants to animals.

I think teaching is such an exciting job. No two days are ever the same and kids are the funniest people in the world. Being able to help shape their lives is a very high honor for me.

What do you hope for your students?

I want my students to love learning. If they graduate from my class and love to learn, they will be successful in life. I also try to pass on to them the need for living for something bigger than yourself.

Anything you’d like to share with us? e.g. favorite moments, etc.

This year, some of our students and teachers were able to go on a camping trip to the Peace River. After we camped, we went canoeing the next morning and looked for fossils in the river. We swung on rope swings, saw alligators and had such a fun time. I am blessed to have a job like this!

(I wish I was on that trip too! :))

Help Ms Fernandez win an iPad3. Vote for her by:

1. Sharing the link of this blog post on Facebook (counts as 4 votes)
2. Sharing the link of this blog post on Twitter (counts as 4 votes)
3. Commenting on this article to give your support to Ms Fernandez (counts as 6 votes)
4. Writing an article or creating a quick video testimonial in support of Ms Fernandez (counts as 20 votes! Woot!!!)

Yes, you can do all four! 🙂

Voting ends at 11.59 pm on Friday May 18, 2012. Winner will be announced on May 25, 2012.

Keri Fernandez also teaches high school Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. She is an absolutely AMAZING teacher! My daughter has had her for all of the above and raves about her ability to take really complicated material and explain it in very easy to understand nuggets. We feel so blessed to have her at Smith Prep.

Keri is my sister. She and I both went into science, but she became a teacher and I went down the research path. As an adult, I sat in her science class and was amazed at her knowledge and practical explanation of science. I wish I had her as my high school science teacher. Way to go, Keri!

Keri Fernandez teaches two of my daughters at Smith Prep. Her love of science and her passion for teaching show in her enthusiasm in the classroom. She is always available to answer questions and to encourage. The girls have a real understanding of complex topics. I look forward to returning next year. I am so blessed to have her as their teacher!

Keri is my cousin. We saw each other more as children, and unfortunately it is rare to see each other now living in different states and busy lives. But everytime I see her I am amazed at her passion and love for life and everything in it. That passion must come through in her teaching. Her students are blessed to have her.

From the moment we visited her class last year, we could see that Mrs. Fernandez was a gifted teacher. She has instilled a love of learning and of science in my daughter this year! She has inspired LIndsey to work hard!

Mrs. Fernandez always knows just how to teach her material. She knows all about science, and I am amazed by her love for every single student in her class. I hope someday i can have that kind of love and knowledge in everything that I do.
Mrs. Fernandez, Thanks so much for your hard work!!!!!!!

Mrs. Fernandez is AWESOME! My daugther absolutely loves science because of her, even when the subject matter isn’t her favorite. Thank you so much, Mrs. Fernandez, for making science fun and caring about all your students!!

Mrs. Fernandez is by far, the best teacher I have ever had! I didn’t really like science much, but three years with her changed my mind. The worst part about graduating was having to leave her class. Love you Mrs. Fernandez!

It is very exciting to hear about Mrs. Fernandez’s excitement for teaching. She wants to see her students love to learn. As a science teacher also, it is a real blessing anytime we can get students to enjoy what God has created.

Keri has been an incredible example of a dedicated individual throughout her life.
She has always had a caring spirit and exemplifies true concern for her family, friends and students. I consider it an honor to nominate Keri for QuickSchools Teacher of The Year.

Hi Lucas, once you’ve created your video, upload that in youtube of vimeo and post the link here in the Comments section. Also, send the link to us at support@quickschools.com. We’ll then do a special post of your video. 🙂

All three of my children have had Mrs. Fernandez and they all LOVE her! They really connected with Science in a new way ALL because of HER fun teaching and cool field trips! GO Mrs. Fernandez~ I hope you win, you deserve it!

My wife and I have been family friends…for all of Keri’s life. We knew her when she was one of the “funniest people in the world” that she mentioned. Several vacations in Maine together as families revealed her intellectual curiosity. She is motivated and not only loves to learn, but she loves to share her knowledge. As she grew up around us, then on to school, then married (great wedding, by the way), and has now the beautiful family you see, we have enjoyed knowing her. I vote that she is probably the best at whatever she tries. The comments of her students seem to bear out that impression. Keep on keeping on your good work, Keri. Teacher of the Year seems a fitting title for you. Hope you win. We send our love.

Thank you so much =) My kids are really hoping that we win that IPAd =)
So kind of you to vote for me! I do have so many great memories of Maine together. I was actually just talking to a friend who tried making salt water taffy for the 1st time. Sticky but delicious! God bless you all! Keri

It’s already been said, but I will say it again… Keri is an awesome teacher and an awesxome person. She has led some science experiments for my kids and I can’t put into words just how great they have been! My guys always have a fun time when they are learning from her. She’s a rare teacher able to disguise teaching under the blanket of fun!

I wholeheartedly agree with the comments posted thus far. Keri is an amazing teacher, whether you’re in her science class or not. She has a very special gift that she shares daily, and my family has been enriched by it.

Mrs. Fernandez sure knows how to make learning fun! Not only does she make learning fun, she makes all of the concepts stick. At first I felt overwhelmed by the amount of content that I was learning, but she was right there to help me! I can’t say enough about her! She is such an encouragement to all her students! Thank you, Mrs. Fernandez!

Mrs Fernandez is ever friendly and supportive in any question or comments I have. She was available to reply promptly and acurately regardless of weekends, or holidays. She is dedicated and creative along with making lessons fun. she deserves all the thanks I can give.

I have known Keri since she was a sophmore in high school. she taught my oldest how to swim one summer for free, because that’s the kind of person she is…kind, giving, fun to be around. I can only imagine what a phenominal teacher she has become today!! Good luck Keri… Love you

How blessed we are to have a daughter like Keri and how blessed she is to have others hold her in such high regard. She’s our daughter, so of course, we have known & appreciated what a wonderful godly woman, wife, mother, & teacher she is…..but to have others appreciate her many fine qualities and nominate her for such a thoughtful award makes all the lives she’s touched even more special. she has given so much to others and has made a difference in so many lives, feel she deserves this award. Love you Keri…MOM

Keri is such a sweet, caring, energetic & loving wife, mom, sister, & teacher. She has always put others ahead of herself as she seeks to honor God in all that she does. Keri is committed to teaching and has all the best in mind for all of her students. We wish Keri all the best as she continues her teaching career. You can look far and wide, but you will find none better or more deserving then Keri Fernandez. Oh, did I forget to say, she is my daughter……All my love, DAD

A teacher who can make Science fun is a wonderful teacher to have! I’ve not had the opportunity to sit in on one of Keri’s classes, but from what I read here, it sounds like she is a gifted teacher. Go Keri!! Keep doing what the Lord has enabled you to do and continue to make learning fun.

Mrs. Fernandez is an amazing teacher. She truly cares about her students and goes above and beyond to make science fun and understandable. She is quite a special teacher and deserves to be awarded Teacher of the Year!

Go Mrs Fernandez!! You have really inspired me and believed in me when others around me didnt you have impacted my life in ways you could never imagine plus I have never had to do pushups in your class.

Keri (Ms. Gillespie at the time, lol) was my biology and anatomy teacher when I was in high school! I still remember her classes with fondness, and even remember some of what she taught us 😉 She’s always been a great teacher! 🙂

I am so very proud of my niece Keri. I never understood how biology and science became her subject but I know that she is great at it. She used to have us send her bugs and strange creatures that we may find so she could share with her kids at school. Keri is a caring, sensitive,loving person who puts her all into whatever she may do. God is always a part of her life and I am so glad for that. She is an inspiration even to me.

Keri Fernandez exudes such enthusiasm when teaching. Her eyes sparkle when she’s discussing anything from fossils, to baby chicks, to snakes. A true inspiration … even for someone that doesn’t care for science!

everyone: can you please help us get Mrs. Fernandez to the top!!!! can anyone write just a short article or make a quick movie for her? you just send it to support@quickschools.com. that would be so awesome!!!!!

Keri and I have been friends for over 30 years – we always had a wonderful time and she was so much fun to be around – I know she is a wonderful teacher because she is a wonderful person! I love you Keri and miss seeing you!

Sorry Ruthann,
The previous post was actually for Miss Cole. We had so many great memories together…you’d better remember me =0 Thanks so much for your kind words. I am blessed to know you and have spent 30 years getting in trouble with you =) God bless you and your family! Love you and wish we lived a lot closer!

Keri has always shown a special talent for teaching and a special gift with kids. She’s been such a blessing to so many. I vote for Keri but just reading the comments from her students shows she is teacher of the year to those who know her!

Keri has my vote!! She was so much fun to be around in school, always smiling and making us laugh. We have many memories together, especially of our trips to Maine with our families!! I hope the Lord blesses you with this honor and for your kids to get the ipad!!

i am voting for Keri. I am so proud of you and I always have been. I remember all your little visits with you and angela and what a great time I always had. Keep up the good work and know what a great teacher you are. I love you so much and wish we could see each other more often.

Keri is my sister-in-law and I can honestly say she is the most amazing person I have ever met. She has truly been a blessing to me and my family. I have seen how wonderful she is with her own children, truly taking advantage of every day life to teach them great lessons on the wonders of God and science.
I only wish I could have had a such an incredible teacher like Keri when I was going to school. I don’t know the other nominees for teacher of the year but I can tell you this for sure…Keri Fernandez is the best!!!!

Without a doubt Keri Fernandez is the teacher of the year & the #1 wife of the year. She is an awesome homeschooling mom, an amazing educator at Smith Prep and a great pastor’s wife. I love her muchisimo and believe she is worthy of top honors!